Cold and Flu

AA-Choo…!

Have you been sneezing all day? Feeling feverish too? So, is it a Cold? is it the flu? or is itCOVID?

Cold and flu are both respiratory illnesses that infect mainly the upper respiratory system. Both diseaseshave some common overlapping symptoms, but some significant dissimilarities between both infections cannot be ignored during prognosis.

Still confused? Worry Not! Southwest Urgent Care is here to help you understand your symptoms and treat your troubling condition precisely.

Visit us today and breath a sigh of relief!

 

Urgent Care for Cold and Flu Symptoms

Each year millions of people contract cold and flu infections!

Don’t worry if you are one of them; at Southwest Urgent Care, with a few tests and some in-depth synopsis, we can help you recuperate faster!

Common Colds or Flu can get one feeling sick and very low and cause trouble in performing simple daily life tasks. While they usually cause mild to moderate symptoms, in some cases, they can cause severe illnesses leading to chronic health conditions.

Our team is working 365 days a year to serve your medical needs!

Choose a way convenient for you and get the required urgent care for your Cold or Flu symptoms.

 

Symptoms and Causes-Cold, Flu, and COVID-19

As complicated as it might seem, some distinguished symptoms are the first thing that will help you differentiate between Cold, Flu, or COVID-19.

To decide on how to treat a condition, we need to understand some things about Colds and Flu. So let’s try to know some important points on What is a Flu? and What is a Cold? And What is the difference between a cold and the flu?

 

 

 

 

 

What is a Flu?

The flu, or Influenza, is a respiratory illness of the upper respiratory system, nose, and throat but can also infect the lungs.

Flu is caused by the influenza A or B viruses.Flu causes more complications than a common Cold and may lead to severe conditions that might end in a person being hospitalized or even causedeath.

Some common symptoms of the flu include:

• Runny nose
• Sore throat
• Fever
• Cough
• Body or muscle aches
• Chills
• Fatigue
• Headache

In severe cases, flu causes additional problems like:

• Vomiting or Diarrhea
• Sinus and ear infections
• Pneumonia
• Sepsis

The good news is flu is usuallypreventable withavaccine. Getting the flu shot decreases the risk of catching the Flu or influenza decreases by almost 60%.

Try to stay healthy this flu season by getting yourself and your family vaccinated via easy-on-visit flu shotsavailable at Southwest Urgent Care.

What is the Common Cold?

The Common Cold, as the name suggests, is the most common infectious disease among human beings!

A Cold is a viral,contagious, and/or infectious disease that affects the upper respiratory system. Colds are generally caused by a number of different viruses, inflaming the membranes that line the nose and throat. The most common virus that causes cold is the rhinovirus.

The symptoms as they make one lethargic enough it’s hard to ignore or leave untreated. Even thoughone might not feel it, a cold is typically milder than the flu and is usually harmless. Treatment with antibiotics won’t work on symptoms of cold as the viruses are the reason behind it. Some common symptoms include:

• Sneezing
• Watery eyes
• Laryngitis
• Runny or Stuffy nose
• Sore throat
• Coughing
• Post nasal drip-Mucus dripping down throat
• Fever (usually in kids)

What is COVID-19?

Emerged in December 2019, the disease caused by the viruses of SARS-CoV, the Coronavirus or COVID -19 caused humankind un replenishable loss.

Since COVID-19, it has now become even more important to see a healthcare provider evaluate your symptoms, as ignorance can have deadly effects.

The good news is that COVID-19 testing is now easily available and is the safest, most convenient way to evaluate the overlapping symptoms of Cold,Flu, and COVID itself. The most common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Cough
• Tiredness
• Loss of taste or smell

Some less common symptoms in people suffering from COVID-19 may include the following:

• Sore throat
• Aches and pains
• Diarrhea
• A rash or discoloration on the skin
• Red or irritated eyes

 

Similarities Between The Flu and COVID-19

Flu or Influenza and COVID-19 are triggered by different viruses, but one cannot ignore some prominent similarities in the symptoms, diagnosis, and prognosis process and the way both of them work or get treated.

Some most common similarities include the following:

• Both are contagious illnesses.
• Usually have Similar symptoms.
• Leading to severe complications. (death in some cases)
• Availability of preventive vaccines or shots.

 

Just as it is said, the correct diagnosis is three-fourths the remedy!

Getting diagnostic tests for COVID-19 and for the flu will help you take a step ahead toward a healthy life.

Southwest Urgent Care has been with you in the most difficult times faced by our world and is still readily available and serving you with all our resources.

We offer COVID-19 Testing.Evaluations are available in-center and virtually, depending on your location and reason for testing.

Cold and Flu Treatment

Once diagnosed correctly, most colds and the flu can be treated effectively with some at-home self-care, precautions, lifestyle changes, and medication.Our body needs to fight off the virus, and for that, resting or napping and getting a proper night’s sleep works the best. Some of the ways Cold and Flu symptoms could be treated include:

• Staying hydratedby drinkingplenty of water, juices, or other fluids to prevent dehydration.
• Use of Warm liquids to release congestion.
• Resting and Sleeping
• Add moisture to the air by using a humidifier to avoid congestion.
• Saltwater gargles or
• Throat lozenges
• Home remedies such as honey to soothe cough and sore throat.

The level of symptom and severity differs with every individual, and so, depending on the condition, a treatment plan might be suggested.

Unlike a common cold that has no definite medicine available to its name, The Flu-Influenza is curable and can be treated with antiviral medication. A cold usually suppresses on its own in about 7 days, but the Flu needs to be controlled by my medication.

Don’t panic if your illness isn’t allowing you a trip to the clinic because of all the laziness caused by Cold and Flu.Get connected to one of the providers now from the comfort of your home; via a virtualvisit facility at Southwest Urgent Care!

 

Medicinesthat Help in Cold and Flu

Self-prescription is never appreciated nor suggested at Southwest Urgent Care. Also, there is no proof of a single best medicine available for adults regarding colds and flu. Some medications that you may want to keep handy during cold and flu season include:

Antihistamines:

Cetirizine, Diphenhydramine, Fexofenadine, Loratadine

Cough suppressants:

Dextromethorphan

Decongestants:

Pseudoephedrine, Phenylephrine

Pain relievers/fever reducers:

Acetaminophen, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen.

Note: All medicines should be taken as per doctors’ suggestions and treatment plans.

Please visityour nearest Urgent care or get connected to a virtual provider if the symptoms seem to be not reducing or keep worsening.

 

Children and Cold and Flu

Your child won’t stop playing with his or her sick friend? Well, that’s because of how the kids are!

As badly as Cold and Flu impacts elders and seem to be draining energy, with children, it’s even harder. Children are usually not able to correctly explain their symptoms, and at times the illness gets ignored, aggregated, and/or transferred to other kids. Also, as ofthe close connection children keep with each other while in playgrounds or schools, they suffer from Cold and flu more than adults!

Parents should always keep an eye on the symptoms so it doesn’t become hard for the kids to recover from respiratory illnesses.

 

Symptoms for Children with Cold and Flu

Adults and children usually have similar Cold and flu symptoms. But some symptoms are more common in children only. Below are some common and uncommon symptoms of cold and flu in kids:

• Fever
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• No urinattion for over 8 hours
• Lethargieness
• Shortness or difficulty in breathing
• Retractions while inhaling
• Tickly throat
• Runny or stuffy nose
• Sneezing

Seeing your child ill is very difficult for any parent. One gets overwhelmed while trying to help make their little one feel comfortable or better.

Southwest Urgent Care is capable of handling children of all ages. Our pediatrics will make sure your baby istaken care of well and be feeling better soon.

Treatment and Guidelines for Children with Cold and Flu

We know you are worried for your Child, and it’s natural!

The team of our well-trained staff and expert providers here at Southwest Urgent Care are capable of diagnosing and providing treatment for your kid’sillnesses.

Below are some conductive options and guidelines which may make your child be feeling comfortable while suffering from a Cold and/or Flu:

• Prescription of children’s Acetaminophen or Ibuprofen by a Doctor.
• Nasal drops as per doctor’sprescription.
• Use of a humidifier
• Use of nebulizer
• Keeping a child’shydration level up
• Use of Mentholated rubs
• Cough drops
• Making sure the child rests and sleeps while ill
• Gargling with salt water
• Use of honey

Above mentioned points are all part of a child’s treatment plan, but in some cases, a child is to be taken to the nearest facility if the symptoms get severe.

Other Conditions Linked to Cold and Flu are treated at Southwest Urgent Care

Some other respiratory infections are also diagnosed and treated At Southwest Urgent Care.

These illnesses or diseases get confused and mixed up with Common Cold or Flu symptoms and lead to serious conditions in patients suffering from them. The list includes:

• Asthma
• Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
• Food allergies
• Laryngitis
• Bronchitis
• Mononucleosis
• Seasonal allergies
• Sinusitis
• Strep throat

With accurate diagnoses, we can make you feel better more rapidly. Schedule a walk-in at our clinic or fix a Virtual Visit, and don’t wait for your symptoms to worsen!